Mandy Hickson

CEO at Experience from the front line

Mandy Hickson was one of the first female pilots to serve in a front line Tornado GR4 squadron, playing an active role in the conflict in Iraq.

Obsessed with flying from a very young age, Mandy applied to join the RAF while at university. Despite failing the computerised tests twice, instructors passed her application and she was soon on the path to joining an elite group of fast jet pilots. After twenty years service, she now talks about the personal and strategic lessons learned with frankness and appropriately wry humour.

From motivation to decision-making, Mandy gives a vivid insight into the leadership, teamwork and communication required to define and then realise specific goals in high-pressure situations. She also highlights the value of honest and open debriefing after any project or phase; something the Royal Air Force always do, but which businesses often overlook.

In addition to conference presentations, Mandy also leads workshops designed to pinpoint how delegates react to given situations challenging teamwork, communication and decision-making.